Let's Hear Some History

In the early 16th century, tales of unimaginable wealth and vast, uncharted territories captivated the European imagination. Among the explorers driven by these legends was Francisco de Orellana, a Spanish conquistador known for his unyielding spirit and hunger for discovery. Born in Trujillo, Spain, in 1511, Orellana sought fame and fortune in the New World, joining Francisco Pizarro’s conquest of the Inca Empire in Peru. However...

In the 18th century, determining longitude while sailing across the open ocean was a significant challenge. Latitude, the distance north or south of the equator, could be relatively easily measured using the position of the stars. However, calculating longitude, the distance east or west of a reference point, was much more complex. It required knowing the precise time at a known location and comparing it to the local time at the s...

Welcome to this podcast episode where we will delve into one of the most important battles in Spanish history, the Battle of San Juan against the notorious English pirate Francis Drake in 1595. This was a pivotal moment for the Spanish Empire, as it marked a successful defense against a formidable enemy who had previously defeated the Spanish Armada.

At the center of this battle was the Spanish commander Pedro Tello de Guzmán, whos...

Imagine you are living in the 16th century, when Spain and England are locked in a fierce war for global domination. You are a resident of San Juan, Puerto Rico, a strategic island that guards the entrance to the Caribbean Sea and the riches of the Spanish Empire. You have heard of the exploits of Sir Francis Drake, the most feared and famous English privateer who has raided and plundered many Spanish colonies and ships. You have a...

The Odyssey is an epic poem traditionally attributed to the ancient Greek poet Homer. It tells the story of Odysseus, king of Ithaca, who wanders for 10 years trying to get home after the Trojan War. On his journey home, he faces many challenges and obstacles including storms at sea and encounters with mythical creatures. The poem also focuses on his son Telemachus who left home in search of his long-lost father and on Odysseus’ wi...

"Jason and the Argonauts" is a Greek mythological tale that follows the story of Jason, a young hero, on his quest to retrieve the Golden Fleece. Jason is tasked with this mission by his uncle, King Pelias, who seeks to get rid of him. Jason embarks on a dangerous journey, along with a crew of skilled and brave warriors, known as the Argonauts.  During their journey, the Argonauts face numerous challenges and obstacles, includ...